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Gunn recalls that Clapp proposed to take editorship of the paper, "Stockton up in my room during the evening, and, later, Boweryem. The former is now editorializing for the "Century," under Mc. Elrath; the paper is more of an "Army and Navy Gazette" than ought else; it has been debated whether it should not assume that title. Clapp modestly proposed to take the editorship of it, to Mc Elrath, also to change its name to that of the "Bohemian," but Mc E. didn't see it The "Saturday Press" died deservedly in January" (8).

Gunn mentions passing Clapp, "These I have been copying on light paper, to save postage, during the last three or four days. Re- turning, passed G. Arnold and Clapp. In the evening Hills of the "Post" came up, stayed half an hour or so" (34).

Gunn states that Clapp's brother was at Pfaff's on Saturday night, "Descended together, joined Cahill and the man and walked to the Smithsonian with them, when I learnt that on leaving me, on Saturday night, he went down to Pfaff's, where were George Arnold, O'Brien, Mullen, the brother of Clapp and others. They scrutinized him awhile and then Arnold went to the side-table at which he sat with; "I think I know you!" He joined them in the cellar, got tremendously drunk, supped with Arnold at Florence's and so, didn't rise in time to keep the appointment which had wasted part of mine and Haney's morning" (49).

Clapp's brother came into George Arnold's, "Round to George Arnold's by 12 1/2, having a question to ask, pertinent of price for a story for Strong, of which I have done a chapter and the plot. Clapp's brother came in momentarily; he is considerably less hideous than H. C. junior – couldn't help being so, for or Nature would have behaved demoniacally" (52).

Clapp is mentioned in a newspaper clipping about the Saturday Press (99).

Gunn documents that he and Cahill had met Arnold and Clapp earlier, "Stayed half an hour or more, then looked in at Pfaffs. (I had met George Arnold and Clapp, this morning, when walking down-town with Cahill; they stopped to recognize him and we all spoke together.)" (117-118).

Gunn reveals Allie Vernon had met Clapp previously, "By the way, there was a certain Burr who had her as his strumpet, during her assumed "marriage" with the miserable little dentist; he, Burr, was mean, though a rich man and didn't care about keeping her, as he intimated in jocular conversation with Haney. She [Allie Vernon] had met Clapp, too, at some "Free Love" haunt, before her marriage with Sol, hence, perhaps, his desire to renew the intimacy" (143).

Gunn had met Wilkins once before at Clapps, "Wilkins of the "Herald," who died yesterday, was buried or rather had funeral service performed over his body to-day. I met him once, at Clapp's, when O'Brien toadied him a good deal, and I was familiar enough with his writings and intimates" (157).

Clapp is documented at being present at Edward Wilkins's funeral, "A good many of his intimates and acquaintances showed at his funeral today, as Seymour, Clapp, Stuart, George Arnold, "Ada Clare" and others" (160).

In a newspaper clipping, Ada Clare is one of the many mentioned that are scintillating weekly in the Saturday Press (99).

Ada Clare's actions at Edward Wilkins's funeral are described, "A good many of his intimates and acquaintances showed at his funeral today, as Seymour, Clapp, Stuart, George Arnold, "Ada Clare" and others. The last did melodrama over his coffin, throwing her arms up and embracing it. The men drank brandy and water afterwards" (160).

Gunn describes a conversation between English and Smith, "To the "Courier" Office, found Smith and Dunn English, both talking North and South and Civil War. English was proclaiming his pro-slavery sentiments, d__ning the "Tribune" and declaring his readiness to assist in hanging Dana. Smith, though a democrat" (98-100).

English tells his side of the row, "I don't expect he'll take it. Dunn English came up, talked about the Chauncey Burr row and gave his version of it. Burr is a friend of his; they sympathize politically. English made the affair to be a rowdy interference with Burr; said he had incurred the enmity of the Websters by "letting on" about "free love" and 14th street; that the head of the family is a policy-lottery dealer; which is true enough on Boweryem's admission. English attributed the "Tribune" account to the Websters. I fancy little Boweryem has what small right there is on his side in the matter; though he acted from glory and cockiness. Left English in Spruce Street;" (169-170).

Gunn describes a visit to Dunn English, "I went to Fort Lee, to visit Dunn English, who now occupies the house formerly tenanted by the Webster's. A ramble with him, returning to hear M.S.S. read and dinner. Other acquaintances of his appeared subsequently, and Boweryem, whom I returned to New York with, by the 6 o'clock boat" (202).

Gunn believes that Sol Eytinge is influential of Nast's opinion of him: "As, unless I took on armchair near them, I must have gone to the sofa, out of the social circle, I didn't do the latter, and presently, on a remark of Sally's, cut into the conversation. Nast didn't like it, I think; the little beggar tried girding at me when I as I happened to be in good spirits and tonguey, he got his payment with a spice of pepper to it. He supposes I talk against him behind his back, half intimated as much. I could trace a spice of Sol Eytinge's influence in his pupil's way of regarding me. Where did I hear it said that Nast has Jewish blood in his veins? one of the girls ventilated it, I think, when Sally demurred at crediting it. His hair, nose and physique, his fondness for the opera are not antagonistic to the idea. That would instinctively bring Sol and him together, in sympathy, though I know Eytinge is ashamed of his stock." (23-24).

Gunn includes Wood's opinion of Eytinge: "Wood says that Sol Eytinge "sprees" a good deal; that he looks "soggy" drunk" (81).

Gunn and Alf Waud talk about disagreement between Waud and Sol Eytinge: "To Haney's office, saw him. Learning that the "Illustrated N.Y. News" folks wanted soe more of my Charleston photographs, I went there and found only Alf Waud, at work, in big boots worn knee-high, outside his trousers. He began to talk objurgation of Nast, proposing to caricature him as Sol Eytinge's dog. Nast, it appears, is a very cocky and captious little begger in the office; he comes there very early in the morning and is exceedingly industrious and would illustrate the whole of the paper, if they'd let him. "I told him," said Alf Waud, "that we (Sol and himself) should be discharged or get an offer of $10 a week, reduced salary. He toadies Sol and Sol likes it. He imitates him in everything, tries chaff, but is soon knocked over and dreadfully offended. They set on me, not long ago, but I shu shut 'em up so that they got mad and wouldn't speak to me for a day and a half, and then Sol came round again, as if nothing had happened." Sol has extraordinary powers of aggravation in chaff, but I think in positive verbal brutality Alf could lick him. The office has much the same hateful conversational atmosphere which Haney, Sol Eytinge, Bill Waud and I dwelt in, five years ago, in the basement of the house in which I write. Only it is worsened by the positions of Eytinge and Waud in their domestic relations; they are both irreparably damaged by them" (85-86).

Gunn describes a conversation with Alfred Waud about Sol Eytinge: "Sol, by the bye, did a generous thing; prices wh were cut down, not long ago, when he insisted that his salary and Alf's should be equalized; he got more than Waud heretofore. Alf had a family and needed it, he said. Here's a good anecdote of Sol. Editor Phillips (who is an ass, though in some respects a likable one) has an half- affected, Boythornish way of bringing a trip- hamer to bear on a ten-penny nail in talk; of firing off fifty pounders at butterflies. He came rushing into the aquarium, or artists' shop, one morning, doing the franticly- indignant against the South. Sol, who had been sitting drawing in moody assiduity, suddenly leapt to his feet and throwing his arms aloft, burlesqued Phillips' bogus excitement by the utterance of this extraordinary extemporized line; – "Hell-fire and Cats! Brimstone and Bitches!" and then returned to his drawing. Phillips retreated, utterly suppressed. Alf told this with immense exultation. I don't know whether Sol's line isn't as good as that of Fielding "Confusion! horror! murder! guts and death!" (88-89).

Gunn says that Alf Waud gave him a caricature of Eytinge and Nast: "By the way Alf Waud gave me a rather felicitous caricature of Sol. Eytinge and Tommy, the latter represented as the dog of the former; Sol himself as an odious- looking Jew old-clothesman" (124).

Gunn writes that Wood had heard Eytinge wanted to go to war to get away from Allie: "J. A. Wood told me today that he heard that Sol Eytinge wanted to go, and charitably ascribed it to a disgust of home and the charming Allie – just as Bob Gun supposed that Bellew took his wife to England that the climate might make him a widower. I fancy there may be truth in Wood's supposition. Mrs. Galusha, neéSally Gay has visited Sol Eytinge's household" (131).

Gunn does not believe Allie has been faithful to Sol Eytinge: "And "Maggie," or "Allie's" Pearl comes in the same category. By the way, there was a certain Burr who had her as his strumpet, during her assumed "marriage" with the miserable little dentist; he, Burr, was mean, though a rich man and didn't care about keeping her, as he intimated in jocular conversation with Haney. She had met Clapp, too, at some "Free Love" haunt, before her marriage with Sol, hence, perhaps, his desire to renew the intimacy. I don't suppose she has been faithful to Eytinge, for sundry reasons. First and principally because she's a bad woman; secondly because it becomes a necessity with her class to go through the dreary formula of confidences about being unappreciated &c., to do the sham emotional, which Sol has grown tired of. For in that respect she is the gull of her own hypocrisy; always bidding for some liking which she cannot return honestly, or satisfy" (143-144).

Gunn includes a newspaper clipping by Mullen in which he writes: "Drawn by Mullen, from the (Comic Monthly.) Intended for sol Eytinge (bad) Wilkins. Intended for O'Brien./ George Arnold Mullen" (158)

Gunn describes an encounter between Will Waud and Sol Eytinge, in which he says Waud defended him: "Will had been up to the "Illustrated N.Y. News" office and seen Sol Eytinge, who talked about Will's enlistment, advising him to be careful &c., saying that it was a good thing he hadn't come back some weeks ago, during the excitement and abusing me as a Secessionist. Will championed me, as I did him, when, not long ago, Rondell told me how Sol had been talking about kicking Will's –– on his return; in response to which I commissioned the jolly Frenchman to tell Eytinge that I was willing to act as Will's deputy and to accept any consequences which anybody wanted to attempt inflicting" (241-242).

Gunn mentions meeting Mullen at Haney's, "To "Nick-nax" office, saw Larason; at Haney's met Mullen, and anon saw Bobbett in the street, where a fire had recently occurred, demolishing one of the houses" (38).

Gunn indicates that Mullen was present when Cahill went to Pfaff's, "Descended together, joined Cahill and the man and walked to the Smithsonian with them, when I learnt that on leaving me, on Saturday night, he went down to Pfaff's, where were George Arnold, O'Brien, Mullen, the brother of Clapp and others" (49).

Mullen is present in the cellar. Gunn journals that Mullen and Banks were arguing, "In the cellar I found George Arnold (with his hair cut pugilistically short as a preventative of baldness) Sears, Banks, Mullen and others. Banks talked of volunteering (about the best thing he can do) and Sears goes on Wednesday – he invited me to join his corps. Mullen and Banks got to wrangling; verbosity on one side, demi-brutality on t'other. Arnold being appealed to, to still the squabble reminded Banks (who, of course talked on) of an imaginary new rule in operation there; "that no man should make a d____d fool of himself," which I demurred at, as calculated to convert Pfaff's into a howling desert" (118).

Gunn sees Mullen in the cellar, "Looked into Pfaff's on returning. The two Arnolds, Sears, Tracy, Mullen and others in the cellar. With his hair cropped like a convict, George Arnold looks like something between Jack Sheppard and a bad portrait of the first Napoleon" (129-130).

Gunn annotates and labels a newspaper engraving (158).

Gunn says Mullen and others are anxious to be officers, "Clarence has been at some meeting, in common with O'Brien, Sears, Mullen and others of that kidney, anent going to the Wars – all professing to be anxious to do it – as officers. O'Brien (who was so drunk during a parade at Washington, as to oblige his commanding officer to order a man to conduct him to his tent [Burger (our ex-boarder) told Cahill this.]) expects a captaincy" (224).

Gunn journals Shepherd's discussion, saying that Mullen and others had a big drink at the Highlands, "Return by 5. Shepherd up in the evening. He told how Shanley, Mullen and F. Wood, and I think others, and been down to the Highlands to visit George Arnold, all of them having a "big drink" together" (246).

Gunn spends an evening at the Edwards', noting that Nast is back from a trip to Washington: "Evening, to 745, meeting Sally, Eliza, John and Nast on the threshold, going to Chapin's, the first not walking with the last, but with her brother. Didn't accompany them, descended into basement, found Mr. and Mrs. E. Matty, Haney and Parton's mother. Very soon Jim came and we got to talking until his departure, within a short space before the return of the girls and their companions. Nast was asked about his Washington experience, I talked with Matty and others, Nast with Sally and the evening wore on till 11, when we, visitors, departed. 11" (19).

Gunn describes a scuffle between Nast and himself at the Edwards': "As, unless I took on armchair near them, I must have gone to the sofa, out of the social circle, I didm't do the latter, and presently, on a remark of Sally's, cut into the conversation. Nast didn't like it, I think; the little beggar tried girding at me when I as I happened to be in good spirits and tonguey, he got his payment with a spice of pepper to it. He supposes I talk against him behind his back, half intimated as much. I could trace a spice of Sol Eytinge's influence in his pupil's way ofregarding me. Where did I hear it said that Nast has Jewish blood in his veins? one of the girls ventilated it, I think, when Sally demurred at crediting it. His hair, nose and physique, his fond- ness for the opera are not antagonistic to the idea. That would instinctively bring Sol and him together, in sympathy, though I know Eytinge is ashamed of his stock. I have been scrupulously civil to "Tommy," and want to continue so, for the chances are in favor of his having Sally to wife – though it's by no means a sure thing – and for no other reason; showing him, however, that I can keep the whip-hand of him in talk. He has come back with his organ of self-esteem considerably enlarged; his manner of talking of the work of other artists is evidence of it. Yet a good deal of this is natural enough, in a young fellow fresh from one of the most miserable of revolutions in history. I'd like the little beggar, for Sally's sake, if he'd let me. Not withstanding which I turned her laugh on him, which of course he'd like" (23-24).

Sally tries to lend Nast a book at yet another gathering at the Edwards': "I talked mostly with Eliza; Sally, sitting by Nast, was diligently employed in narrating the plot of the "Newcomes" to him, girl-fashion, having the volume in her hand; which she presently proposed to lend him. Little Tommy's literary tastes are of the rawest; I didn't wonder at his not taking it. Matty Bellew dislikes England. looking goodhumored, sat in the direction of Haney, Polhemus on the near side. Which young man is rather a slow coach in conversation, having a talent for silence. Presently Nast invited Eliza to the theatre, of course after Sally" (26-27).

Gunn believes Nast will win the court of Sally Edwards: "There are exceptions to Jerrold's axiom asserting that that position is the best one for taking aim at a woman's heart and Sally is one of them. Nast will win, in default of a better suitor" (32-33).

Gunn states that Nast talked Garibaldi to Sally at the Edwards': "Sunday. To Chapin's in the morning. On descending from the gallery found Jack, Matty and Sally waiting for somebody, probably Tommy. Mat got tired of it and I walked home with her, leaving her, her father and mother at the door – they had kept on t'other side of the way. In doors till evening, then to 745. Mr. and Mrs E. Matty, Anne and Haney present, Sally, Eliza, Nast and Jack at Chapin's, whence they returned in due time. And Tommy took up his position beside the "ravager" on the sofa, and talked Garibaldi to her till the time for breaking up" (33).

Gunn feels unwelcome while Sally and Nast converse: "Anne, too, is making up for her dep helping to deprive Sally of one lover by abetting another. When Eliza, at the piano, got tiffed at the talking, Anne wanted her to keep on, (for the benefit of Sally and Tommy; who conversed safely, under its cover.) They get along, as I augured, favorably – little Podgey will win, sure enough, and if he don't detest me it's a pity! Well, perhaps he has a right to – I'm almost inclined to justify him. Somehow, for, I think, the first time in my life in that basement, I felt as though I were unwelcome – as though my arrival had imposed some restraint on what was in progress" (53-54).

Gunn describes a brief encounter with Nast before feeling ignored at the Edwards': "There was also another inducement, a Mrs. Galusha, neéSarah Gay, being of the party; which person is she of Rochester habitation, whom Tommy Nast was once smitten with, a friend of the Thomsons' and of Jim Parton's sister. This, barring the personal item, Tommy told me in a constrained and grudging manner. I tried him with a remark or two, then lapsed into silence and looked over newspapers, finding my Fort Moultrie drawing in the "London News." So we three sat, in silence, except when Tommy said a word or two to Tousey, until the unlocking of the street- door and the girls' laughter was heard above...I wouldn't wonder if Tommy hasn't talked Eytinge about me to the girls; of course being angry with him I suspect the little beggar. If so, it's a good illustration of cause and effect: I tell Mort Thomson (on being asked, not before) the truth about Sol's immaculate wife – then strumpet – and, three or four years after, his resentment turns up in the basement of 745" (67-68)!

Haney confirms that Nast and Sally Edwards are engaged: "Talking of Nast and Sally Edwards, Haney confirms my impression that they are "engaged." It is curious to find that both he and I have inclined to backing Nicholas, wishing that the gentlemanly widower had given us an opportunity to volunteer a few words of advice in re Sally" (81).

Gunn quotes Alf Waud, who talks disparagingly of Nast: "He [Alf Waud] began to talk objurgation of Nast, proposing to caricature him as Sol Eytinge's dog (See 110-11). Nast, it appears, is a very cocky and captious little begger in the office; he comes there very early in the morning and is exceedingly industrious and would illustrate the whole of the paper, if they'd let him. "I told him," said Alf Waud, "that we (Sol and himself) should be discharged or get an offer of $10 a week, reduced salary. He toadies Sol and Sol likes it. He imitates him in everything, tries chaff, but is soon knocked over and dreadfully offended... "He's a mean little beggar," I said, catching the tone of Alf's manner – it does one good to abuse a fellow you don't like, you feel better afterwards. "Yes," said Waud, "though he did go to the expense of paying $33 for a diamond- ring to give to that girl he is fond of. I hear all about that, too, though they do make such a dreadful mystery about it." Alf had seen the ring, recommended the jeweller, indeed; Tommy got the thing a great bargain. Alf had spoken before of Mort Thomson's approaching marriage with "Fanny Fern's daughter," about which Nast and Eytinge conversed, affecting mystery" (85-88).

Gunn describes Nast's vulgar demeanor at the Edwards: "Sally and Nast and Eliza and Tousey were also church-goers; I did not see them until I had descended into the basement, where I was conversing with Haney and Mrs. Edwards, when they joined us. Tommy went over and sat, rather prominently and awkwardly, beside Sally in front of the piano. Haney, I and Mrs E. (paterfamilias never has much to say) found enough to talk of, and rather left the others to themselves. Tommy had tried a smart saying at and come off as usual, in consequence. I don't think the young fellow showed at all well, in his new relation. At such a time, if ever, a man – a young man, too – should be kind and friendly, disposed to goodwill to all around him, full of delicious humility, triumph, grateful for the happiness which has fallen to him; in short as good as his nature is capable of. There was none of this; I am deceived if there was not latent vulgar triumph, a tendency to insolent assertion of his luck; his conquest. Sally, too, didn't look too happy, or too much at ease, beside him. She flushed up occasionally, giggled and talked, with awkward intervals of silence. He did a little buffonery, too, with the girls in general, and, squat on a music stool, the whole of his podgy figure visible, didn't appear to advantage. I made a point to do only the initial courtesies to the girls, unless they indicated goodwill towards a little chat, which good humored Matty presently did, when I talked awhile to her, as did Haney, joining us. Eliza, on the sofa, cultivated Tousey, or laughed at Tommy's sallies – for she is temporarily of the Nasty faction" (91-92).

Gunn says that Sally Edwards has accepted Nast's marriage proposal, but doesn't believe it's a good match: "Jim Parton had asked him [Haney] today, "if he had heard the news?" Haney knew what news; Tommy's acceptation. Jim understood that it was to be a long engagement, in which case I wont ensure its consummation; for Tommy mayn't wash. Not that Sally has not a much more favorable estimate of him than Haney and I, who agree perfectly on that head; I have chronicled her view of Tommy's character, as confided to me at Grafton. But I do fear that the girl has gone miserably and wilfully into a match that won't result in her happiness... Mrs. Edwards has been very tender with him; her woman's nature comprehending his case and affording him quick sympathy. "I wish you'd have fallen in love with Matty," I said. "I can't!" he answered, though he averred that she'd be the most helpful mate of the three. So" (93-96).

Gunn mulls over the irony of Nast and Sally's relationship: "I should have liked to have felt friendly to Sally's husband; to have shaken him by the hand on the wedding- day and to have wished him happiness with all my soul; to have touched her cheek with a kiss, and have bidden God bless her! but it won't be so, and so let the matter rest. Possibly I do him injustice, after all. I hope so. For the hundredth time I observe how curiously events hinge on one another: Haney introduced Nast as a substitute for Cahill; that his absence mightn't be felt in our little circle. He thought Tommy might do for Mat or Eliza – never apprehending that he was thereby risking the realization of Benedick's simile; – "The flat transgression of a schoolboy who, being overjoyed at finding a bird's next, shows it to his companion, and he steals it" (96-97).

Gunn includes a caricature by Waud of Eytinge and Nast: "At 745. Morris, Nast and Polhemus there. Nothing of import transpired; Nast and Sally as usual. By the way Alf Waud gave me a rather felicitous caricature of Sol. Eytinge and Tommy, the latter represented as the dog of the former; Sol himself as an odious- looking Jew old-clothesman" (124-125).

Cahill exaggerates Nast's condescending manners: "Writing and loafing till 5, then downtown, passing Nast; whom Cahill met subsequently, walking with Eliza, Matty in the rear, and, relating it to me, burlesqued Tommy's assumption of the airs of a man about town. I thought his face looked flabby and Jewish. One always finds a man's face disagreeable when one dislikes him" (147).

Gunn comments again on Nast's behaviors: "The elder folks were cordial, as they always are. I think Nast has slackened his attentions to his future father and mother-in-law, even to half-ignoring their presence, and that the quick-sighted woman perceives it. When we left (I rose at a little before 11), Morris began abusing Tommy as a nuisance, saying that he did nothing but monkeyisms, and thinking it must "disgust" the girls. I couldn't help grinning to find how generally conscious everybody is of his offensiveness – or envious of his popularlity! I walked a few steps with Morris and returning, passed Nast and Tousey, who had just quitted 745. The little chuff saw me" (161-162).

Gun speculates that the Mort Thomson and Grace Eldredge marriage will escalate Nast's and Sally's: "Jim warned Haney on this score, once, intimating that Grace would develop like her mother. Maybe that Haney was flattered by the idea, as most men would be – I thought I detected this in his talk this evening. Both he and I agreed that this marriage would probably accelerate Sally's and Nast's, Haney fixing it for the autumn of this year" (181-182).

Hayes tells Gunn that the engravers like Alf waud because he keeps them busy: "Alf would go, though Nast wanted to; they (the proprietors of the paper) had either to quarrel with or let Waud go. The advantages he possessed over Tommy were extreme obstinacy and the capacity for writing letters. Tommy is very industrious and on a regular salary – gets, Hayes supposes, $25 or up ward a week. "We (the engravers) "like him;" said Hayes, "for he keeps us steadily busy. When we had nothing but geniuses to draw for us, we had to stand idle for two or three days sometimes; until they felt like working" (183).

Gunn believes that Waud's Charleston paper was merely recounted by Nast from the "Illustrated News": "Haney speaking incidentally of a story about Will Waud's starting an illustrated paper in Charleston, brought to 745 by Nast, I didn't scruple to characterize it as one of those inventions which had their origin in the artists' room of the "Illustrated News" and which Mr. Nast only retailed – which I've no doubt is the simple truth" (192).

Gunn believes that Haney holds a grudge against Nast: "Mr. Edwards read aloud Fanny's article in the "Ledger" about her daughter's marriage; all of us (barring Haney and myself) manifesting an inclination to sniff at it. Not much transpired this evening; I think Haney and I spoke only to Matty, of the girls; for Anne, she went and sat to'ther side of Tommy, only becoming momentarily prominent in answer to a gird of Haney's. (He will "not willingly let die" the rememberance that she was against him in his wooing of Sally)" (203).

Gunn says House and Neal stopped on their way to Paris, "Bob gave him a week's employment on the American Agency, paying him fifteen shillings. House and Neal appeared there on their way to Paris, recognizing Cahill; he met Abrahams also, who has got some clerkship and talks of remaining in England. (45)

Neal is mentioned when Gunn discusses Frank Welden's funeral, "Frank Howland has returned from Paris; as, a fortnight or three weeks ago, did Neal and House, both of them qualified to claim the dedication of Rabelais' book, having "gathered of the ripest." (196)

Gunn says O'Brien has joined the 7th Regiment, "O'Brien has joined the 7th Regiment, on the chance of getting a free passage to England, during the visit to the Volunteers which Bellew is trying to engineer through" (18).

Gunn talks about O'Brien getting Boweryem in at Harper's, "O'Brien came in and talked of "the return of the poor prodigal"; of getting him something to do at Harper's – of which there is as much probability, under O'Brien's recommendation and endorsement, as of getting him into Heaven" (50).

Gunn writes about O'Brien, "O'Brien (who was so drunk during a parade at Washington, as to oblige his commanding officer to order a man to conduct him to his tent [Burger (our ex-boarder) told Cahill this.] expects a captaincy. He, O'B. has "jerkked his little editorials and poems," as the Bohemians would say, in glorification of the Seventh, which certainly did all it undertook – but no fighting" (224-225).

Gunn describes a conversation between Shanley and Morris, "Met Morris conversing with Shanley in Nassau Street; the latter talked easy Irish sympathy about Wilkins and said he had heard a letter from O'Brien read, in which the Baron of Inchiquin stated that he had been officiating, in his turn, as cook to his company, producing an Irish stew, which, of course, was voted an immense success."

Gunn describes a conversation he had with Stedman, "To the "Century" office, a talk with Stockton, then to the "World," talking with Conant, Stedman and a third person. Stedman attempting his wanted masterful habit of putting one into the witness-box and cross-examining a la Jaggers, I on the Secession business, I pitched-in, when he became quite affectionate, wrote down his address and invited me to visit him!" (11).

Gunn mentions Briggs and Stedman when documenting a talk about the Civil War between Thomas Dunn English and Smith, "Indeed the blotchfaced old hack wants a berth, and bellows partisanship in consequence. I wish such as he and Stedman were obliged to demonstrate their anti-Southern cackle in face of a few Carolinian rifles, levelled [sic] by such lads as honest Dan Miller's company! There are no bigger curs extant than these venal traders" (100).

Gunn expressses his views of Stedman, "An item about Stedman: Boweryem went the other night to a musical evening at the house of Phillips, of the "Post," and met there Miss Anna Dunn and her mother, the latter of whom behaved frigidly to the little man, and the former of whom told him, with latent triumph, that the Stedmans were going to board with them on Staten Island during the summer. And Warren of the "Phalanx," meeting Boweryem informed him that the wretched intimacy between Stedman and this woman is cackled about in the vicinity. The fellow came down from his wife one morning with the remark that it was astonishing how obstinate women were in adhering to some impressions, and when she appeared, she had evidently been crying, wanted to know how she could send a letter to him, and presently set off to New York after the scoundrel. He had been bullying her into acquiescence with his shameful resolve to live in the same house with his strumpet and the weak, affectionate, foolish wife succumbed to him! He is now in Washington; I suppose trying to beg or bully himself into office. Throughout the recent excitement he has been ultra-belligerent in talk, burning to head a regiment to march against the South; now, when innumerable really patriotic fellows are leaving their callings and volunteering, will the author of the ballad of Old Brown go? I trow not. If you asked him he would say, If it were not for wife and family – when it would be a fair retort to tell him that the best proof of his affection for them would be going off and getting shot" (101-103).

"Mort has taken a house up-town; Welles and Clif will live with him, presumably Ottarson also"; "Mort gets $20+ a week from the 'Tribune,' about the same from the 'Mercury' fro two articles of writing; these, with his winter lecture earnings constitute an income which will be heavily borne upon for the support of two households" (10).

"Mort is heavily-worked, as selfish inherently as ever, perhaps not so dominant in his way of showing it" (11).

Gunn includes a few articles written by Thomson to show how he uses his personal family dynamics within his writing (28-30).

"Mort Thomson has gone to the wars, to report for the 'Tribune,' in company with the 7th; hence his marriage may be deferred beyond the early part of next month. There was some talk of its occurrence before his departure" (131).

Gunn refers to Thomson as "Officer Mortimer Thomson" noting that he "returned to New York this morning, bearing dispatches" (138).

Gunn notes that "(Mort Thomson gets but $15 from the 'Tribune'; a mean salary)" (152).

Gunn includes clipping about Thomson's marriage; Thomson gets married to "Miss Grace Eldredge, eldest daughter of 'Fanny Fern.' The ceremony took place at the residence of James Parton...the celebrated biographer" (177).

Describing the wedding between Thomson and his second wife: "The ceremony was of the briefest, not occupying twenty minutes" (179).

Gunn on Thomson's second marriage: "The marriage will be just an an average one"; about Thomson: "He is not a gentleman, has but a coarse nature and can never educate a woman into loving him beyond what the first week's acquaintance inspires. You may know all about him in two or three interviews -- which is a poor compliment to pay any man" (180).

Gunn alludes to fact that Thomson once wrote for the "New Yorker" before coming to work at the "Picayune" (211).

Includes a clipping from the Sunday Mercury written by Thomson on the "Federal Chasseurs" entitled "Doesticks' First Night's Soldiering" (229).

Gunn journals about Wilkin's death and reflects on his life, "Wilkins of the "Herald," who died yesterday, was buried or rather had funeral service performed over his body today. I met him once, at Clapp's, when O'Brien toadied him a good deal, and I was familiar enough with his writings and intimates. His "Saturday Press" and "Leader" feulletons (as they were affectedly entitled) were very shrewd and clever, though in palpable imitation of the French mocking spirit; his "Herald" editorials as unscrupulous and often as base as anything in that abominable paper; pimping and pandering to any feeling that might be supposed agreeable to the worst prejudices of American character. He had once been connected with the "Life in Boston," a dirty flesh paper. I should not suppose him to have been a man of reading or education, or particular belief in anything; though he had an unquestionably ready pen, and perhaps more talent that the average of his class. They speak of him as a good enough fellow; say he loved petit soupers, breakfast and the like and accelerated his death by injudicious indulgence in them, as in disobeying his doctor by using chloroform. He went to pfaffs occasionally, being received as rather a great gun amongst Bohemians; though he was hardly a frequenter of their haunt. His plays, when original, were slangy trash; "Young New York" would never have been acted twice to other than the easily-satisfied audiences of this metropolis. A good many of his intimates and acquaintances showed at his funeral today, as Seymour, Clapp, Stuart, George Arnold, "Ada Clare" and others. The last did melodrama over his coffin, throwing her arms up and embracing it. The men drank brandy and water afterwards" (157-160).